The wireless service provider has accused Google of blocking voice calls, through its Google Voice service, to rural areas.
Google Voice is a service that allows users to connect all of their phone numbers to one common number and handle calls and messages through a Web site.
Alleged violations
Rural carriers take high fees from long-distance providers like AT&T, Verizon, or Qwest to give access to their local networks. Further, FCC in 2007 had banned long-distance providers from blocking calls.
AT&T claims that Google is blocking calls to cut costs on network access expenses and this amounts to breach of telecommunications law, which necessitates phone operators to provide unrestricted access to services anywhere in the nation.
It stated that Google is violating the fourth principle of the FCC's Internet Policy Statement according to which consumers have the right to benefit from competition among network, application, service and content providers.
AT&T also accused Google of violating fifth principle on nondiscrimination as the search giant has discriminated by denying access to certain local exchange carriers.
Even if Google Voice is an Internet service, the search giant is breaching net-neutrality principles, AT&T stated.
In a letter to FCC, Robert Quinn, a senior vice president for AT&T's federal regulatory issues, stated, “We urge the Commission to level the playing field and order Google to play by the same rules as its competitors."
Claims dismissed
In a company blog, Rick Whitt, Google's telecom and media counsel, stated that the company has restricted Google Voice service to areas that are expensive to connect.
Whitt further added that there are significant distinction between Google Voice and traditional phone service. "Unlike traditional carriers, Google Voice is a free, Web-based software application, and so not subject to common carrier laws.
"Google Voice is not intended to be a replacement for traditional phone service -- in fact, you need an existing land or wireless line in order to use it. Importantly, users are still able to make outbound calls on any other phone device. Google Voice is currently invitation-only, serving a limited number of users."
Further, consumer advocates disputed AT&T’s argument regarding violation of net neutrality principles. Derek Turner, research director at Free Press, argued that FCC’s open Internet principles apply to Internet Access Service Providers and Google Voice is not an Internet access service.
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